[TCDP-vdm-news] public release of the Enhanced Vortex Data Message (VDM+) Dataset and new version (1.100)

[Jonathan Vigh]

Greetings Registered Users of the VDM+ Dataset,

The embargo period for the Enhanced Vortex Data Message (VDM+) Dataset 
has now ended and the dataset has been released to the public as of 25 
November 2015. The dataset has also been updated to v1.100. The new 
version includes approximately 800 more VDMs, adds coverage for the 
Eastern Pacific and Central Pacific basins, and adds three additional 
years to the dataset (2013-2015). The new version now includes intensity 
and structure parameters decoded from 6448 VDMs in tropical cyclones 
that occurred from 1989 to 2015 (through Patricia).

The Statistical Hurricane Intensity Prediction Scheme (SHIPS) 
Development Dataset, which is included within VDM+, has been updated to 
add an additional year (through 2013). The blended best track data from 
the HURDAT2 Best Track b-decks database use the final, post-season best 
track data through 2014, and then provisional working best track data 
for 2015. These best track data include all recent revisions to HURDAT2. 
The Extended Best Track Dataset (which is used to blend in wind radii 
information when best track data are missing these parameters) has also 
been updated through 2014. The updated SHIPS and Extended Best Track 
datasets are also available as stand-alone NetCDF files.

The VDM+ Dataset is now available for download at the Tropical Cyclone 
Data Project (TCDP) web page:

*http://verif.rap.ucar.edu/tcdata/vortex/*

Due to the addition of several new fields to the user registration 
database, all previously registered users will be asked to register again.

The next update will likely be a minor version update in the first half 
of next year to upgrade the SHIPS Development Dataset to the new 
CFSR-based reanalysis for the years prior to 2000. This next update may 
also add best track data and SHIPS data for the Indian Ocean, Western 
Pacific, and South Pacific basins, resulting in global coverage for 
these environmental and best track data.

The preparation of documentation and provision for the public 
release has been supported by the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences 
(BIOS) Risk Prediction Initiative (RPI2.0).

Best regards,
    Jonathan